AYRSHIRE & ISLANDS

AYRSHIRE & ISLANDS

AYRSHIRE & ISLANDS

Ayrshire & the West

When golfers think of Scotland's west their first thoughts are usually of the Ayrshire coast and the legendary links of Prestwick, Turnberry and Royal Troon. But further west is the Kintyre Peninsular, made famous by Paul McCartney's "Mull of Kintyre" and hundreds of islands offering stunning scenery and the choice of many superb whiskeys.

Half the fun is just getting to Kintyre with the choice of a 3 hour drive up and around Loch Lomond which offers magnificent views, the ferry from Ardrossan to Campbeltown and the lastly there are regular flights to the area from Glasgow.

There are several fine links on the Kintyre Peninsular including Machrihanish Golf Club which traces its history back 1876 with Old Tom Morris leaving his mark on the design. This was recently join by Machrihanish Dunes design by David McLay Kidd in SSSI which has lead to a very natural links. The lesser known but equally fun Dunverty Golf Club also offers a wonderful golfing experience and its captivating vista's makes it a memorable experience.

There are several very fine places to stay in the area including Ugadale & Royal Hotels. The later of which is to be found in the village of Campbeltown which is also home to the famousSpringbank Whiskey Distillery Even further west lies the islands of Islay and Jura with Machrie Golf Club under going extensive renovations which promise to provide an improved version of what was already a splendid links and a new course being built on the sparsely inhabited Jura island. A trip to Kintyre offers so much more then great golf.

Shiskine Golf & Tennis Club

Royal Troon Golf Club

Royal Troon Golf Club was founded in 1878 with only 5 holes. A 140 years later it has 45 holes and has hosted the Open Championship a total of 9 times. Its most famous hole is the Postage Stamp 8th hole which measures just a 111 meters but can devilishly difficult green to hit especially on a windy day. (see photo)

Trump Turnberry Resort

The Ailsa course at Turnberry is one of Scotlands famous links courses and has recently been renovated by Martin Ebert. An already wonderful course has been made even better. Most famous for the legendary 1977 Open Championship "The Duel in The Sun" between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson with the later wining narrowly. Unbelievably 32 years later Tom Watson lost in a playoff for the Open Championship against Stewart Cink in 2009 at the age of 59.

Prestwick Golf Club

Prestwick Golf Club 6,908 yards Par 71,
Prestwick is the birth place to the Open championship which was first played over the links in 1860 and there after 24 times with the last being held in 1925 due to logistical issues. Famous for its association with Old Tom Morris who designed the original course in 1851 and was the 'Keeper of the green' until 1864. By 1882 18 holes had become the standard and the course was extended by then professional Charles Hunter. Not only is the club full of history but a wonderful example of links that is not to be missed.

Western Gails Golf Club

Western Gails is a classic Scottish links with the course routed between the sea and the railway that runs along the coast with clubhouse in the middle. North of the clubhouse are 7 holes and 11 holes to the south. The 178 meter par 3, 7th is particularly memorable. (See photo)

Dundonald Links

Kilmarnock (Barassie) Golf Club

Kilmarnock is situated on the Ayrshire coast not far from the famous links of Turnberry, Prestwick and Royal Troon. A very welcoming club with a fine links course which has been used for final qualifying for the Open Championship. Not to be missed when your in the area.

Machrihanish Dunes

Machrihanish Dunes 7,082 yard Par 72,
Machrihanish Dunes is modern classic designed by David McLay Kidd of Bandon Dunes fame. The links was built in a "Site of Special Scientific Interest" (SSSI) with only the greens and tees being shaped and the fairways were mown down to the required height for play but still retained all the original humps and hollows. This ensures that the links has a wonderful natural feeling of how golf has been played over the centuries.

Machrihanish Golf Club

Machrihanish Golf Club 6462 yards Par 70,
Famous for its daunting tee shot over the beach on the 1st hole Machrihanish has great pedigree having had Old Tom Morris influence the design. Recently rated in the top 100 best golf courses in the world this is one links not to be missed.

The Irvine Golf Club

The Irvine Golf Club flies under the radar but is one of Ayrshires finest links courses. The course as it is today is much to thank on James Braid who designed a very distinctive links that has been used many times as a Open Championship qualifying course.

West Kilbride Golf Club

West Kilbride Golf Club occupies a narrow piece of land coastal land with great views across the Firth of Clyde to the beautiful island of Arran. A great course to play all year round with influence of the Gulf Stream.

Dunaverty Golf Club

Dunaverty Golf Club 4799 yards Par 66,
Dunaverty Golf Club is situated by the village of Southend in a glorious setting on the south coast of the Kintyre peninsula. The springy turf on the undulating fairways and one of the best sets of greens in Scotland provide a great test for all levels of golfers. A spectacular view over Sanda Island to the south, Ailsa Craig and Ayrshire to the east and Northern Ireland to the south west will only add to a wonderful test of golf.

The Machrie Golf Club

The Machrie Golf Links 6324 yards Par 71, The Machrie is set in the sand dunes of the island of Islay and was designed in 1891 by Willie Campbell. The links has a new owner and has been undergoing a major rebuild and promises to be an improved version of what was already a very good course.

Shiskine Golf & Tennis Club

Shiskine Golf & Tennis Club 2996yards Par 42 (12 hole course),
About as quirky as golf can get the 12 holes Shiskine Golf & Tennis Club offers an unique experience to say the least. On the western side of Arran the links features several blind shots and at one point you plan up a step ridge to a hole called the Crows Nest! For golfers who like there golf to be fun this is your place.

Ugadale Hotel & Lodge Machrihanish

Piersland House

The Marine Hotel

Old Loans Inn

South Beach Hotel

Fairfield House Hotel

Royal Hotel, Campbeltown

The Royal Hotel in downtown Campbeltown overlooks picturesque Campbeltown Harbour and is the perfect option for those who prefer to be “in town”. The beautifully restored hotel features 23 guest rooms with all of the modern comforts one might expect in the world’s top hotels. Here you’ll find a second fine-dining restaurant, The Harbourview Grille along with the cheerful and lively Black Sheep Pub just steps from the Harbour. For your convenience, shuttle service is provided between all of our hotels, restaurants, and amenities for Village guests.

Ugadale Hotel & Lodge Machrihanish

The historic Ugadale Hotel is located just steps from the ocean and the 1st tee at Machrihanish Golf Club. The Ugadale Hotel features twenty-two spectacular guest rooms and suites, the Serenity Spa (view packages), and the Kintyre Club a warm and inviting restaurant and bar in a private club setting offering inspired dining and spirited good times. The Ugadale Hotel is surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty, with the grandeur of the Atlantic Ocean and the islands of the southern Hebrides right at your doorstep.